Defence Estate Quality Management System (DEQMS)

Estate Design & Use Principles

The Estate Design and Use Principles (Principles) are one of the initiatives under First Principles Review (FPR). The Principles are set out in the Defence Estate Strategy and replace the Defence Estate Principles of Development.

The Principles are intended to optimise the utilisation of the Defence estate by providing high level guidance on the design and use of the Defence estate throughout the asset lifecycle. By taking this whole of life approach to the design and use of the Defence estate, the Principles are aligned with the Capability Lifecycle.

The Principles are a working level tool which help those planning, developing & managing the Defence estate to achieve the estate vision for "A strategically aligned, affordable, safe and sustainable estate that enables Defence capability and operations".

The Principles are outcome focused and are grouped into three categories:

Disposition: Is the right size and location to maintain Defence Capability?

Land: Using the estate in the most effective and efficient way.

Facilitates and Infrastructure: Using the buildings, services and infrastructure on the estate effectively and efficiently.

Each Principle outlines when its application should be considered across the capability lifecycle. It is expected that the application of the Principles is built into day to day business activities including planning, development, delivery and operations across the Defence estate. It is expected that the Principles and their consideration is integrated into business processes and policies e.g. estate disposition analysis, estate base plans, accommodation policy, initial business cases and detailed business cases.